AN Antiques Roadshow expert has officially marked The Bowes Museum’s newly refurbished ceramic galleries open.

Lars Tharp, one of the BBC programme’s longest serving members, cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony of the gallery which houses a collection containing rare and important pieces from the 16th to the 20th centuries.

“The whole display is far more arresting, as it is not as densely laid out, which is a major thing,” said the China trade and ceramics historian. “Previously, the pieces were a chorus, now they are truly singing.”

The Danish-born expert was given a tour during his visit by Howard Coutts, the museum’s curator of ceramics, whose knowledge and expertise has underpinned the interpretation of the new galleries.

The museum has set the standard for new and innovative displays since 2006 and this is the latest phase which aims to improve the visitor experience.

The scheme, designed by Stuart Jones, artistic director of Headland Design, has transformed an area covering almost a third of the museum’s second floor - bringing the space up to the standard of other recently modernised galleries using lighting and display methods.

Head of collections at the museum, Jane Whittaker, said: “The new galleries enable The Bowes Museum to do what most other museums in the UK, outside London, cannot; explain the unique cultural significance of its collection in a world context, spanning five centuries, due to its extensive collection of European and oriental ceramics.”